§ 61. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that small shopkeepers and traders are having their shops sold over their heads without warning in all parts of the country and to an increasing extent; whether he is aware that this is the work of certain trusts and combines, including, among others, an American syndicate, with a view to establishing a chain of mul- 1566 tiple shops throughout the land; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to give some security of tenure and compensation for disturbance to small shopkeepers and traders, many of whom have been on active service during the War?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI have been asked to reply to this question. My attention has been drawn to statements in the Press to this effect, particularly relating to the drapery trade. If the hon.. and gallant Member will give me any information of a definite character on the subject, I will consider whether any action should be taken by His Majesty's Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs anything under consideration with regard to the last part of my question and the suggested legislation contained therein?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI must have notice of a question of that kind.